Meves helps Akron net national title
David Meves has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember.
The University of Akron goalkeeper started playing the sport in kindergarten with the Arlington Aces.
“As to playing goalie, I guess I was just thrown into it when I was about 10 because at one point our team needed a goalie,” recalls the Christian Liberty Academy alum from Arlington Heights. “When that happened, I really liked it and just stuck with it.”
And did that decision ever pay off.
Meves posted a shutout in the NCAA national championship game this season as Akron defeated Louisville 1-0 for the school's first national title. He was also named a second team academic All-American with a 3.85 GPA in finance.
Meves is a two-time Parade All-American (2007, 2008) and three-time NSCAA Youth All-American (2006-07-08) and was the 55th-ranked prospect in the nation, according to Top Drawer Soccer.
But with all his success in youth soccer, nothing topped the national title last month.
“I would definitely have to say that winning the national championship was the biggest thrill I've had playing soccer so far,” Meves said. “I never played soccer when I was at Christian Liberty. I just stuck to playing with my club team. To win the national championship just felt amazing.”
Meves, a sophomore, has started every Zips' game for the past two seasons posting a record of 45-2-3.
“I can't explain how good it felt to win the national title, especially after we had lost in the championship the year before,” he said. “I think it means a lot to the program because it's the first national championship and finally brought the program over the top of just being a really good program to one of the best in the country.”
Meves said the title was also significant because it meant a lot to the school and community.
“It is the school's first national title in any team sport and with the location of the school being at the heart of the LeBron James incident (NBA star who Cleveland Cavaliers for Miami Heat) it just brings them something to be proud of.”
Ÿ Senior Matt Stieve (Maine West) was honored for his stellar play after helping the New York University men's soccer team to a record-breaking 2010 campaign.
A team captain, Stieve was named to the first-team all-University Athletic Association after a tremendous season in goal. The senior played in all 18 games, starting 17.
He recorded the second-lowest goals-against average (0.52) in school history, the second-most shutouts (nine), and third-most wins (11). Stieve also played all 754:40 in goal during the Violets' school-record-breaking streak of consecutive shutout minutes.
With Stieve as its primary goalkeeper, NYU broke the school records for goals-against average (0.47) and shutouts (12) and finished 11th in Division III in goals-against average. In addition, Stieve did not allow a goal in UAA play, helping NYU become the first team in Association history to accomplish the feat over the course of the seven UAA games.
Stieve ended his career as the school's all-time leader in goals-against average (0.56) and tied for fourth in shutouts (10).
Off the field, Stieve was honored for his work in the classroom and his influence at NYU. A double major in economics and politics in the College of Arts and Science, he received UAA Fall Sport All-Academic accolades. He was also named one of the 15 Most Influential NYU Students by the Washington Square News.
Ÿ Central College senior forward Brett McKenzie (Antioch) earned all-region and all-conference recognition as well as team honors for the 2010 season.
A four-time letter winner, McKenzie received NSCAA second-team all-North Region honors. A three-time Iowa Conference pick, McKenzie was a first-team selection this season. He was also named the league's Most Valuable Player, a first in the program's history.
The Dutch captain received the team's MVP Award for the second year in a row and was named the conference's offensive player of the week twice (Sept. 13, Oct. 25).
McKenzie started 16 games and scored a team-high 11 goals, including five game-winners and one penalty kick. He also contributed three assists, recording 25 points on the season.
In his Central career, McKenzie set a new school record in game-winning goals with 15. He is second in shots attempted (240), second in shots on goal (114), third in goals (38), third in penalty kicks made (3) and fourth in points (88),
Central compiled a 13-5 overall record, with a 5-3 Iowa Conference mark good for fourth in the league. The team earned a seed in the conference tournament for the ninth straight year under coach Garry Laidlaw.
Women's soccer
Western Illinois senior defender Jenny Green (Palatine) finished her final season and collegiate career as a two-time team MVP and three-time all conference performer.
She was the first WIU athlete to be named Summit League defensive player of the year. She was also named by Top Drawer Soccer magazine as the top soccer athlete in the conference for 2010.
Academically, Green was a 3 time Summit League all academic team member, WIU Student/Provost award winner, 2 time coSIDA/ESPN All District selection and one of 30 national semifinalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS award.
The Lowe's award is given annually to a NCAA Division I women's soccer student-athlete who shows excellence in four areas; community, classroom, character and competition.
Green is on track to graduate from Western Illinois with a 3.92 GPA in special education.